I have signed up for my fourteenth “Bike4Chai”, an annual 150-mile cycling event benefiting the children and families of Chai Lifeline. My ride is dedicated to my grandson Yehoshua who arrived prematurely at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in September 2019 at a pound and a half. After spending eleven months in the NICU and Tracheostomy units, he finally came home for his first birthday. Although growing into a mischievous toddler with a charming personality, he is still on his journey to recovery. The recent removal of his breathing tube gives us optimism that his feeding tube could follow soon. Observing the challenges that arise daily for Yehoshua and his family, reinforces my drive to support Chai Lifeline’s essential programs for over 6,000 children and families confronting pediatric illness, crisis, and loss. These services include counseling and case management, meals delivered to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency financial assistance, insurance advocacy, i-Shine after school programming, Big Brothers/Sisters, crisis and trauma intervention, and Chai Lifeline’s flagship medically-supervised summer programs, Camp Simcha, Camp Simcha Special, and Camp Simcha Without Borders. These services, make a difference for those families. I am fortunate once again to be joined by my oldest grandson Shlomo, and my son-in-law Sam, who are also dedicating their rides to Yehoshua.

Our ride, over the Pocono Mountains into Chai Lifeline’s Camp Simcha, will not be easy, but pales in comparison to what the children of Chai Lifeline endure daily. Life for a child with cancer, disability, or other serious illness is grueling, and often very lonely. From the moment of diagnosis, Chai Lifeline’s dedicated staff and volunteers are there to provide joy, hope, and unparalleled care for the child, parents, and siblings, throughout the turbulent medical journey.

I hope you will help me reach my objective to raise over $25,000 before the ride in August. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. I hope the children of Chai Lifeline and I, can count on your continued generosity. Please partner with us to help children and their families cope with the diagnosis, treatment, and aftermath, of serious pediatric illness. Children whose interaction with Chai Lifeline’s volunteers, helps them through their darkest days and most difficult treatments. Let these families know that that they are not alone, but you and the supporters of Chai Lifeline genuinely care for their wellbeing and success. Support them by supporting Chai Lifeline through this campaign. Please click on the link below to donate now.   

 https://www.bike4chai.com/AbeGoldwasser 
 
On behalf of the children and families of Chai Lifeline, thank you. In the merit of your generosity and compassion, may you and yours be safe, healthy, happy, and successful.

Abraham Goldwasser

PS. For more information regarding this ride please visit bike4chai.com